Canon 5D Mark III overview

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera is a full-frame 22.3MP DSLR featuring exceptional still image and movie recording capabilities. Integrating Canon's new DIGIC 5+ Image Processor and 14-bit A/D conversion, this camera is able to produce superbly detailed imagery with immense low-light sensitivity that is further aided by an extended ISO range up to 102400. Image quality is further enhanced by the new 61-point high density reticular autofocus, including up to 41 cross-type AF points and 5 dual diagonal AF points for ensured sharpness. iFCL metering works in conjunction with the AF system and uses color information from scenes to produce accurate exposure readings using a 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor. HDR and Multiple Exposure modes provide greater creative opportunities and help you to reduce the amount of post-production time needed to produce high quality imagery. The 5D Mark III is also capable of recording full HD video with manual exposure control and in multiple frame rates, including 1080/30p and 720/60p. Still images can also be recorded up to 6fps.

Image review is possible using the 1,040,000-dot 3.2" Clear View II LCD monitor, which features a high-transparency, reflection resistant multi-coating for adequate viewing under bright conditions. The Intelligent Viewfinder also integrates a superimposed LCD providing you with exposure information and features a 100% field of view.

A highly durable magnesium-alloy body surrounds the components and offers increased dust and weather resistance. An updated EOS Integrated Cleaning system also helps to reduce and remove dust within the camera body. Several of the physical controls on the camera body are fully customizable for a more efficient workflow and more convenient handling scheme. Dual CF and SD memory card support also increases the compatibility of the camera. Support is also provided for the optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter and GPS receiver for remote logging, tracking, and sending of your imagery.

Included with the camera is Canon's EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens. This zoom lens provides a versatile range of focal lengths, from wide angle to standard portrait length. It features Hybrid Image Stabilizer Technology for up to 4 stops reduction of both angular and shift-type camera shake. Image stabilization is also effective when shooting in the lens' 0.7x macro mode. With 2 Super-UD glass elements and 2 UD elements to reduce chromatic aberration and two distinct types of aspherical elements, images are sharp throughout the zoom range. Smooth, fast and accurate autofocus is provided by the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and the lens' minimum focus distance is 1.25'. As an L-series lens, it is provided with weather sealing to protect it from dust, moisture and cold and fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces to resist smears and fingerprints.

22.3 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

A newly designed 22.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor is incorporated into the 5D Mark III providing you with highly detailed, rich images with a maximum resolution of 5616 x 3744 pixels. The sensor is also features a high S/N ratio and larger individual pixels for increased visual depth and cleaner looking images. A new photodiode structure and increased photoelectric conversion rate also helps to improve the overall sensitivity of the sensor, resulting in a reduction in image noise and improved high ISO performance.

DIGIC 5+ Image Processor

Processing speed and power are increased to promote significantly greater overall performance and response from all aspects of the camera. New algorithms are incorporated in order to promote better noise reduction for higher ISOs and chromatic aberration compensation. The increase in processing speed also helps to improve the continuous shooting rate, bringing it to 6 full-resolution frames-per-second.

14-bit A/D Conversion

The 14-bit signal processing helps to improve the quality and gradation of images by producing more natural, smooth-looking results. An increased ISO range is also provided, from 100 to 25600 in standard modes and 50 to 102400 in expanded modes. The ISO range can be controlled and customized depending on the user's preferences, and additionally an auto ISO mode can be employed. This extended sensitivity range helps to counter frequently changing and difficult lighting situations and significantly minimizes noise when photographing with even the top-rated sensitivity.

The dedicated AF menu tab permits quick and easy access, eliminating the need to navigate through settings menus in order to modify your AF settings. Autofocus point selection is broken up into 6 different methods-Spot, Single Point, Single + 4 Adjacent Points, Single + 8 Adjacent Points, Zone Selection, and Automatic AF Point Selection-as well as a dedicated AF configuration tool for control of AI Servo AF III tracking parameters.

iFCL 63-Zone Dual Layer Metering Sensor

An intelligent metering system works in conjunction with the autofocus system and independently analyzes 'Focus, Color, and Luminance' within the scene for the most precise exposure settings possible. The 63 zones cover the entire image area with great detail and the dual-layer design permits a wider sensitivity to different wavelengths of light.

The dual layers are split into a red/green channel and a blue/green channel; which counters the red light sensitivity bias electronic sensors inherently have. A series of algorithms are employed to combine data received from both layers, with the resulting exposure reading being extremely accurate regardless of the shooting conditions.

EOS HD Video

Full HD video recording is supported in multiple formats, including 1080/30p, 24p, 25p; 720/60p, 50p; 480/30p, 25p. While recording video, a 4GB automatic file partition is employed in order to gain longer continuous recording times, up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Both All i-frame and IPB compressions are supported as well as the standard H.264/MPEG -4 AVC codec. Embedding the time code is also possible for greater convenience when recording with multiple cameras.

Video performance is further enhanced with the ability to manually adjust your exposure settings and audio levels while recording. By employing Live View, you can view your recording on the LCD and make settings changes with a dedicated menu tab on the fly. The DIGIC 5+ processor also dramatically improves video response times and helps to reduce color artifacts, aberrations, and moiré.

Rugged and Efficient Design

Constructed from magnesium-alloy, the 5D Mark III features a toughened housing that provides enhanced dust and weather resistance. Its ergonomic design also produces an intuitively navigable interface with an emphasis on lessening hand strain and increasing functionality. Handling is simplified and natural with this body due to the incorporation of customizable controls: You can make shooting settings with just your right hand, and fast image check and image processing operations with just your left. The redesigned grip offers easy holding when shooting or carrying the camera, while the rubber skin coating has been engineered for all day comfort in your hand and also coats the camera's card slot cover. Additionally, there's an internal headphone terminal and dual card slots supporting both CF and SD / SDHC / SDXC memory cards. Three recording modes are ideal for a variety of workflows: Auto switch media instructs the camera to swap cards as soon as one card is filled, a great feature for long shoots. The camera can also record separately to each card. For extra security, you can set the Mark III to generate an automatic backup by recording the same file to both cards at the same time.

The 5D Mark III also boasts a dual-axis electronic level indicator displaying vertical and horizontal tilt on the LCD monitor--either alone or during Live View shooting. The indicator may also be displayed in the intelligent viewfinder, if you prefer.
A newly designed shutter is equally as durable and has been tested up to 150,000 cycles. The lightweight, carbon fiber blades also provide support for the increased 6fps burst rate.

The body construction also features extensive gasketing for maximum dust and weather protection, even at connection points around the lens, hot shoe, and memory card slots. Further dust protection and removal is aided by an updated EOS Integrated Cleaning system that uses a vibration-based dust removal process.

Intelligent Viewfinder

The optical viewfinder provides a 100% field of view with 0.71x magnification and a wide viewing angle of 34.1%deg;. A refined design integrates aspherical lens elements into the construction and lessens distortions and color aberrations while providing greater clarity for composing imagery. In addition to a clear view, a superimposed, transparent LCD is also incorporated. This Intelligent Viewfinder mode can be toggled on or off quickly at the touch of a button, allowing you to remove all camera information for unobstructed viewing. The information provided when it is on includes a customizable display of focus points and grid lines, which can also be directed to appear outside of the image area.

Canon's Dual Axis Electronic Level can also be used in conjunction with the Intelligent Viewfinder and visually displays pitch and roll angles, aiding in properly level horizons. When used in the viewfinder, this feature can display +/- 6° of roll and +/- 4° of pitch in 1° increments when held horizontally (the inverse is shown when held vertically). The electronic level is particularly useful for landscape photographers and those working with tilt and shift lenses whose angle of view is especially critical.

3.2" Clear View II LCD Monitor

The expanded 3.2" Clear View II LCD provides high quality viewing with a 1,040,000-dot resolution and anti-reflection coating. This allows for sharp and clear viewing in even the brightest of conditions and displays images and videos with great detail and richness. The display also features a viewing angle up to 170° for review from the side or below.

The Dual Axis Electronic Level is also functional in on the LCD and can display a full 360° of roll and +/- 10° of pitch in 1° increments. When used in conjunction with Live View mode, a smaller display is placed over the image. Live View mode permits real-time image review and can also place grid lines over the image for compositional help. You can also zoom into and navigate within the image when in Live View and use the grid lines for minute control and precision over the alignment of your photograph.

Multiple Exposure and High Dynamic Range

Multiple exposures are possible in-camera and can be recorded onto a single file using 4 distinct settings for control. When in Additive mode, this closely resembles making multiple exposures on film and layers each exposure; manual exposure compensation is required. Average mode layers the images and automatically compensates for the final exposure, eliminating the unintended possibility of gross under or overexposure. Bright mode is specifically designed for photographing in uniformly dark scenes with a bright subject, such as a studio environment. Dark mode functions inversely, and helps to eliminate overly bright sections of the image including reflections and highlights.

A High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode is also incorporated and allows for the creation of HDR images in-camera, reducing the time needed to manually overlay images in post-production. When using this mode, a series of 3 bracketed exposures are made of the same image, then automatically integrated into the same frame, resulting in a photograph without blown highlights or blocked up shadows and a long middle range of tones. This mode is especially useful when photographing scenes with a great deal of contrast.

Wireless and GPS Compatible

The 5D Mark III is compatible with the WFT-E7A Wireless File Transmitter as well as the GP-E2 GPS Receiver (both not included). The WFT-E7A, which supports 802.11 a/b/g/n and sports a built-in Gigabit Ethernet connection, provides LAN and Bluetooth image transfers and features an FTP mode with automatic image resend function to ensure file delivery even if the signal momentarily drops. The transmitter also has EOS utility mode and WFT server mode, and is capable of performing time sync multiple cameras on the same network. The GP-E2, which connects via USB or Hot Shoe, automatically embeds location data into the images' metadata, including latitude, longitude, elevation, and the camera's orientation in relation to a compass reading when shooting. It also has a GPS time sync function, particularly useful when a project is shot among different time zones. Both of these accessories do not compromise the 5D Mark III's dust and weather resistance and are designed to the same rugged specifications. Requires a firmware upgrade to be compatible with the GPS GP-E2, which will be available soon.

Optional Battery Grip

The optional dedicated Battery Grip BG-E11 (not included) features buttons and a multi-controller. It delivers seamless performance regardless of whether the camera is in vertical or horizontal orientation. The grip takes 2 LP-E6 batteries or an included AA battery magazine, and is useful in counter-balancing large lenses during handheld shooting.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Included with this kit is Canon's EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens. This zoom lens provides a versatile range of focal lengths, from wide angle to standard portrait length. It features Hybrid Image Stabilizer Technology for up to 4 stops reduction of both angular and shift-type camera shake. Image stabilization is also effective when shooting in the lens' 0.7x macro mode. With 2 Super-UD glass elements and 2 UD elements to reduce chromatic aberration and two distinct types of aspherical elements, images are sharp throughout the zoom range. Smooth, fast and accurate autofocus is provided by the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and the lens' minimum focus distance is 1.25'. As an L-series lens, it is provided with weather sealing to protect it from dust, moisture and cold and fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces to resist smears and fingerprints.

Canon 5D Mark III reviews

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Photostyle1 from
Everything I expected and moreI highly recommend both the EOS 5D Mark III camera and the 24-70mm f/4L lens, not only for the kit value but for great design, high quality and capability. An amazing amount of thought was put into the design of this camera which includes high resolution, fast accurate focusing, and high shutter FPS. It feels very sturdy and the controls all seem to be well placed. I think Canon must have listened to every pro for advice on what to design into this wonderful camera which allows tons of settings for those who want to control everything about the camera. You can also set it to shoot with the greatest of ease using the simplest of settings, whatever your desire. The 24-70 f/4L lens that came with this kit is great if you want a lightweight, less bulky, less costly, and image stabilized (IS) lens, compared to the heavier, bulkier, non-IS f2.8 lenses. It's also a great travel and on-the-go lens, f4 is plenty bright with narrow enough DOF for most situations, and has a very close Macro with hybrid IS so you don't need a tripod.

Date published: 2014-07-01

Rated 5 out of
5 by
malibugriff from
A big leap for this former Rebel ownerI purchased a Rebel T1i in 2010 when I was getting into photography as a more serious hobby. While I was happy with that camera and the two Canon EF-S lenses that I purchased to go with it, I found myself frustrated with some of the results. I teach and direct theatre, and I needed a camera and lens that would serve me well under theatrical lighting, which is often dim. While I haven't had an opportunity to use the EOS 5D Mark iii under theatrical conditions yet, I have used it in low lighting at home around the Christmas tree and at a Christmas party in a dimly lit restaurant. In both cases, I've been very pleased with the result. The 5D Mark iii is much heavier than the Rebel T1i, but that's to be expected since this is much more substantial piece of equipment. I have a lot to learn with this new camera, but I'm excited to start exploring the various features. Be aware that this kit comes with the 24-70mm/f4 lens, not the24-70mm/f2.8 lens. The latter is much more expensive than the former. There is no bundle that I'm aware of that provides the f2.8, so if you're looking for that lens, you should purchase the camera body by itself and then add the lens separately.

Date published: 2015-12-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Sheila G from
Worth the priceLove the low light details; the amazing features and flexibility and the professional quality results.

Date published: 2013-12-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
canon 5dA great camera!However, the number of new buttons and controls is daunting. The instructions are so small that I needed a magnifying glass to read.Works with all my Canon lenses.

Date published: 2014-12-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Juan88uy from
BreathtakingI had a 7d, the 5d was a huge leap. Excellent. 8 stars rating.

Date published: 2014-07-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mike from
A big jump for a happy 40D userWhat an amazing camera! I have had a 40D since early 2009. It was a great camera. Reliable. Dependable. I put some F/2.8 glass (EF-S 17-55mm and EF 70-200mm L USM) in front of it and it kept me happy. Got the job one. Putting that same glass in front of the 5D Mk3 is a whole different animal. I debated whether to purchase the 24-70mm kit or the 24-105mm kit. My wife has the 70D with the 24-105mm, so I decided I would add the other (24-70mm) to our bag. Very happy with the lens. I have to admit that anytime I tried to use my wife's 70D it would aggravate me since I was so used to the 40D features, button/dial locations/functions. But, I have to say that I made a pretty easy transition over to the 5D Mk3. I have only one regret. And, that is waiting so long to make the transition to full-frame.

Date published: 2017-09-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
EOS 5D Mark III good improvementFaster and more accurate focusing. Display screen for both video and photo is excellent. Excellent camera for amateur photography.

Date published: 2014-01-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Photowl from
Camera is something outt this world crip and cleanShots taken make everything look so crisp and unique